When we first stumbled upon the Lavender Aviation Cocktail, we were instantly enchanted. This cocktail is a delightful floral gin classic, elevated with the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur and a homemade lavender syrup that adds an unexpected, fragrant flair. If you’re like us and love exploring unique vegetarian and vegan-friendly cocktail recipes, this one deserves a special place in your home bar.
🍸 Why We’re Obsessed with Floral Gin Cocktails
We’ve always been drawn to gin cocktails because their herbal botanicals pair so well with floral and citrus notes. The Lavender Aviation takes this to another level, with its gorgeous pale purple hue and delicate flavor profile. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, it’s a refreshing drink that feels fancy without being complicated.
Lavender Syrup: Our Secret Ingredient for Vegan-Friendly Elegance
What really sets this recipe apart is the homemade lavender syrup. We love that it’s vegan-friendly, made from simple ingredients you can find at the grocery store or your local farmers market. The syrup not only adds natural sweetness but also an aromatic complexity that’s hard to beat. Plus, making your own syrup is easier (and more fun) than you might think!
🍒 The Maraschino Cherry: A Nod to Classic Cocktails
Maraschino liqueur is an old-school classic in many vintage cocktails, and it adds just the right amount of tart cherry flavor without overpowering the lavender or gin. We adore how this ingredient ties the cocktail back to its roots while giving it a unique twist. Bonus: the maraschino cherries make a gorgeous garnish!
Crafting the Perfect Lavender Aviation at Home
We love hosting cocktail nights where we can experiment with drinks like this one. The Lavender Aviation is a real crowd-pleaser — it’s light, floral, and refreshingly balanced. And because it’s a cocktail recipe that fits perfectly into vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, we feel great serving it to friends and family who have dietary preferences.
💜 A Little Lavender Goes a Long Way
One thing we learned the hard way was that too much lavender syrup can overpower the drink. Lavender is potent, so we recommend starting with less and adding more to taste. The subtle floral notes should complement the gin and maraschino, not drown them out.
🌸 Fun Fact: The Aviation Cocktail’s Story
Did you know the Aviation cocktail dates back to the early 1900s? It was created during the golden age of cocktails and named to evoke the excitement and innovation of early flight. Adding lavender to the mix gives it a modern, botanical twist while honoring its vintage charm. We love how history and creativity blend in this recipe.
Quick Tip: Perfect Pairings for Your Lavender Aviation
Ingredients
- 45 ml gin
- 15 ml maraschino liqueur
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml lavender syrup
- Ice
- Optional garnish: candied lavender or lemon twist
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and lavender syrup.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or candied lavender if desired.
Notes
- To make lavender syrup: simmer equal parts sugar and water with dried lavender flowers until the sugar dissolves, then strain.
- Adjust lavender syrup quantity to taste for a more or less floral flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute gin and maraschino with lavender lemonade or floral tonic water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Lavender Aviation Cocktail
🍸 What is an Aviation cocktail, and how is this Lavender Aviation different?
The Aviation is a classic gin-based cocktail traditionally made with gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette for a floral touch. Our Lavender Aviation replaces the crème de violette with homemade lavender syrup, giving it a unique floral aroma and a gentle sweetness that sets it apart.
🌿 Why use lavender syrup instead of crème de violette?
Lavender syrup offers a fresher, more natural floral flavor compared to the sometimes intense violet taste of crème de violette. It adds subtle herbal notes that complement the gin and maraschino beautifully, creating a well-balanced cocktail.
🍋 Can I use fresh lemon juice, or is bottled lemon juice okay?
For the best flavor, fresh lemon juice is recommended as it provides a bright, fresh acidity that bottled lemon juice often lacks. However, in a pinch, good-quality bottled lemon juice can be used.
🍒 What does maraschino liqueur add to this cocktail?
Maraschino liqueur contributes a sweet, nutty, and slightly cherry-like flavor that adds depth and complexity to the drink. It pairs wonderfully with the botanical notes of gin and the floral lavender syrup.
🍹 Can I make the lavender syrup in advance? How should I store it?
Yes! Lavender syrup can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This allows you to quickly mix the cocktail whenever you want.
❄️ Can I serve the Lavender Aviation cocktail on the rocks or only straight up?
Traditionally, an Aviation is shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass, served “up” (without ice). But you can serve it on the rocks if you prefer a slightly diluted, colder drink.
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